Today's extract from Paul's Letter to the Ephesians continues what he has said on God's universal plan of salvation. Here he refers to the two groups within the Church: the Jews (v.v.11-13) and the Gentiles (v.v. 13-14) and their place within this plan.

The Jews are heirs to God's Kingdom for they "would put their hopes in Christ before He came" (v. 12), i.e. they pre-hoped in Him, so they are thus "predetermined" by God. The Gentiles are in no way inferior - they are also heirs for by their faith in Christ they participate in the Spirit of the promise. They have been sealed with the Holy Spirit i.e. baptised in the Spirit. Redemption in Christ and the Holy Spirit is on-going. It is dynamic and capable of development and growth, all to the glory of God from whom everything comes.

The Gospel of Luke shows Jesus addressing His disciples in the midst of a huge crowd of followers and of antagonists as well. He makes the point to them that they are to be different - they are not to fall into the temptation of being Pharisaic, i.e. hypocritical because they are afraid of being harassed for owning up to their faith. They have a duty to be strong in the face of opposition to the Christian message they have to deliver. This message cannot be hidden and, even when they are persecuted for it, they can be consoled that they are precious in God's sight. Trust in God's love is what drives out fear of persecution.